30 UNDER 30

Program Highlights

The UCF Alumni Association introduces its inaugural 30 under 30 awards program, recognizing outstanding young alumni who continue to "Reach for the Stars" in their professional and personal lives. Young alumni currently make up one-third of our alumni population, making them our largest constituent base. This fall, the UCF community will gather to celebrate the achievements of these individuals and the impact they have made in the areas of business, research, leadership, arts, community, education and philanthropy.

Enter the UCF alumni contest by uploading a picture to your Instagram account using the hashtag #MyUCFStory. Participate in 10 or more days of the photo challenge to be entered for a chance to win UCF prizes.*Profile must be public for us to see the photo.

Grand Prize: A complimentary 4x8 legacy brick to be placed on the Knights Terrace.Runner-Up Prize: Four winners will a variety of UCF alumni merchandise.

Contest begins April 8 and ends May 9 at 11:59 p.m. EST.Winners will be notified with a comment on their photo by 5 p.m. May 11.

Chance to Win Terms and Conditions

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT REQUIRED TO ENTER OR WIN.

The promotion begins and ends on the dates and times specified

We are offering a grand prize to one randomly selected individual and a runner-up prize to four other randomly selected individuals who enter the promotion by the promotion's end date and time.

You must be an individual legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia and the older of 18 years of age or the legal age of majority in your state of residence.

To participate, review the linked announcement for this promotion and follow the instructions to enter.

Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.

Our and our affiliates' employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate.

Winners will be notified as specified in the linked announcement for the promotion within 2 days of the end of the promotion, and once notified, you will have 24 hours to claim the prize.

We reserve the right to modify or cancel this promotion at any time.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram.

The Professional Development Series

The Professional Development Series is an interactive program designed to help UCF alumni develop and enhance their careers by learning and mastering marketable skills. The series includes a variety of topics that cater to alumni at different stages of their careers. The series is made possible through a partnership with UCF Continuing Education.

Hosted in the UCF FAIRWINDS Alumni Center, networking begins at 5:30 p.m. and the program begins at 6:15 p.m. lasting less than 90 minutes. The cost to attend is $10 for general alumni and free for Knights for Life.

Upcoming Programs

Check back for Spring 2015 program updates.

Past Programs

Time Management: Winter 2014

With an endless supply of technology and time management solutions to help us get more done, why does it seem like we get less and less done? How many times have you either said or thought, "If I just had more time?" And, since everyone seems to be doing it - and proud of it - how is multitasking working for you?

While there is no "silver bullet" to solve all of your problems (honestly, there isn't a silver bullet so stop looking for it!) there are a few tips and tricks that can have a major impact on your effectiveness. What's more, you don't have to buy a book and go to a week-long seminar to start making the most of the time you have.

Key Takeaways

Learn to get more done with the time you have

Manage your "to-do" list

Unlearn procrastination

How to accomplish more and feel good about it

Program Speaker

Tom Horvath

Tom received his Masters of Business Administration from the University of North Florida and his Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Bloomsburg University. He has extensive experience as an adjunct instructor with Cornell University, Penn State University, the Crummer School of Business ‐ Rollins College and the University of Porto –Portugal. Tom shares the integration of theory with practical application to the world in which we operate.

Community stewardship includes volunteer leadership roles with the Central Florida YMCA, Junior Achievement, Rotary International, Priority Associates, The Jobs Partnership of Florida and the International Community School. Read more about Tom.

Change Management: Summer 2014

Change Management: Leading and Facilitating Change was the second installment of the Professional Development Series. Alumni obtained strategies, tools and insights to effectively lead themselves and others through change events.

Key Takeaways:

Alumni will learn how to more easily and comfortably lead themselves and their teams through organizational change.

Mark A. Toombs has been the lead facilitator for corporate training and development with UCF Continuing Education for more than 10 years. His passion for organizational development shows in his engaging, high-energy and inclusive approach.

Channeling Your Creative Energy: Spring 2014

At the inaugural event of the Professional Development Series, alumni gained a renewed outlook on how to truly focus on their inner creativity.

Key Takeaways:

Individual predictors of creative performance

How to identify and overcome creativity blocks

10½ strategies to OPEN your mind

The crucial difference between creativity and innovation

How to channel your seven traits of creativity

Program SpeakerMark A. Toombs

Mark A. Toombs has been the lead facilitator for corporate training and development with UCF Continuing Education for more than 10 years. His passion for organizational development shows in his engaging, high-energy and inclusive approach.

Digital Badges

Earn a digital badge for completing the course. Use the badge to proclaim your new knowledge of the course topic in digital profiles or to enhance resumes. Learn more.

Collection of Personal Information

The practice of scanning driver's licenses at events is intended to maintain a convenient check-in experience for our guests by making the attendance verification process fast and more accurate. The UCF Alumni Association uses the personal information collected to authenticate alumni data, to analyze engagement metrics, to prepare future programmatic efforts and appropriate operational budgets, and to provide information to a limited number of third party partners.

"Personal information" is defined as information that identifies or describes an individual. For UCF Alumni Association and UCF Foundation, Inc. purposes, the personal information collected by scanning driver's licenses includes and is limited to an individual's first name, middle name, last name, gender, address, city, state, zip code and birth date.

Employee Code of Ethics

All UCF employees are governed by the university code of ethics policy located at http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~gcounsel/CurrentIssues/codeofethics.html Since some university employees perform duties for the foundation such as solicit funds, administer foundation accounts, or are responsible for specific foundation accounts in order to fulfill their professional responsibilities at the university, those employees have a duty to act professionally and ethically as follows:

upholding truth, honesty and integrity in all personal and professional interactions

aspiring to transparency in accountability and financial reporting to constituents

Sensitivity to the private nature of this data is of the utmost importance, and protecting the confidentiality and privacy of the university's constituents is a necessity. Confidential or sensitive information contained in foundation records and foundation databases includes collecting and maintaining data on alumni, friends, parents, university faculty, staff and administrators, corporations, private Foundations and other affiliate organizations. This data, some of which may be of a personal or financial nature, is found and stored in the foundation's multiple numbers of databases and office hard files. Access to the donor databases, the accounting databases and other alumni and development office databases and files, is limited to those within the university who solicit funds, administer Foundation accounts, or who are responsible for specific foundation accounts in order to fulfill their professional responsibilities at the university.

Data Protection

The UCF Alumni Association and the UCF Foundation, Inc. protects the confidentiality of alumni information and the integrity of its computer operating systems by integrating security measures into procedures for data collection and day-to-day operations. We have physical, electronic and procedural safeguards in place to protect your information from dissemination, tampering, theft and unauthorized disclosure.

Data Storage

The information scanned from driver's licenses will be temporarily stored on dedicated UCF Alumni Association laptops that meet UCF Foundation, Inc. IT requirements for encryption. The scanner and method for connecting to the scanner have been reviewed and approved by the Foundation IT team. Following each event, the driver's license data will be transferred to the network for processing and completely removed from the laptops. Laptops and driver's license scanner are only used at a check-in stations that are manned and monitored by UCF Alumni Association staff. Scanned data is stored on the individual laptop, which is hardwired to an individual scanner.

Data Processing

Driver's license data will be processed from a dedicated network folder and formatted in a manner that can be imported into the UCF Foundation, Inc.'s Raiser's Edge database in order to maintain data quality standards. The format and logistics of importing data have been reviewed and approved by the UCF Foundation, Inc. IT team.

Opt Out

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is the UCF Alumni Association scanning my driver’s license in addition to checking my alumni key card at events?A. Now that the UCF Alumni Association is a non-dues program, we measure performance based on alumni engagement versus memberships sold. Alumni key cards are not unique identifiers and do not indicate who is actually participating in association events. The attendance analytics derived from scanning driver’s licenses will help the association to track attendance and gear future programmatic efforts accordingly.

Q. How is my information used?A. The UCF Alumni Association uses the personal information collected from driver's licenses to authenticate alumni data, to analyze engagement metrics, to prepare future programmatic efforts and appropriate operational budgets, and to provide information to a limited number of third party partners. The data fields collected and used to authenticate an alumnus/alumna record are: first name, middle name, last name, gender, address, city, state, zip code and birth date.

Q. What type of restrictions are placed on third party partners when using alumni data? A. Third party vendors are only authorized to promote specialized programs for UCF graduates that are endorsed by the alumni association. This list is not sold to any vendors that are providing endorsed products. The third party vendors are only authorized limited use of the list and cannot use the list without the expressed written authorization of the alumni association.

Q. How is my information protected?A. Data is scanned from driver's licenses using a hard-wired connection that is attached to a UCF Alumni Association computer. The information scanned is just the primary contact detail outlined above. The scanner and laptop always remain in the presence of a UCF Alumni Association staff member. Processing of the event participant information is done on a secure network and verified through the university's enterprise system that is inside the UCF firewall and protected by a multi-layer security network.

Q. Does this practice comply with local, state and/or federal law?A. Yes, this practice is in compliance with Florida Statue 322.143 section (6)(a), which went into effect on July 1, 2013. The UCF Foundation is a private entity that is collecting data with the consent of the license holder and will use the information to authenticate the data on record for an alumnus or alumna.

Q. What happens if the magnetic strip on my license is damaged, my ID doesn’t have a barcode, or I choose not to have my license swiped?A. Entrance into the event is still permitted; just visit the Help Desk to have your personal information verified or entered manually.

Q. Will I still need a wristband after I check-in at registration with my alumni key card and/or state-issued driver’s license?A. Some events may also require a wristband to allow guests to enter and exit the event freely at their will. For example, receiving a wristband at an Indoor Tailgate will allow guests to enjoy indoor and outdoor tailgating activities throughout the duration of the event without the hassle of "checking in" multiple times.

GET INVOLVED

There are countless ways to get involved on campus, in your community and across the globe. Whether your passion drives you to serve as a Knights Advocate, to be a mentor or to volunteer for a good cause, there are always rewards for those brave enough to step out from the crowd.

Find Friends in Online Directory

Become a Sponsor

UCF Alumni Association events are the perfect opportunity for your company to reach UCF graduates who call Central Florida home. By becoming a UCF Alumni event sponsor, your company will have the opportunity to get your brand out to Knights everywhere. Start now.

]]>jeff@ucfalumni.com (Jeff Garner)ROOTWed, 14 May 2014 19:34:29 -0400Knights on the Mallhttp://ucfalumni.com/knightsonthemall
http://ucfalumni.com/knightsonthemallKNIGHTS ON THE MALL

Why the Changes for Memory Mall

Convenience. Students and alumni no longer have to arrive several hours early to land a tent space. They can show up when game day activities begin or even after they start.

The Student Government Association, Alumni Association and university want all of the spaces in one of UCF's primary tailgating areas to go to students and alumni. In prior seasons, many spaces were occupied by people with no connection to UCF.

Game Day Changes

1 p.m. start for game day activities for FIU game on September 3 (this is a one-time change to the usual weekday time due to the 6 p.m. kickoff)

Expanded Student Government Association programming, including live music, additional food options. SGA will move to higher-visibility center section of mall.

Students and alumni will be able to reserve spaces on Memory Mall, eliminating the need for them to show up several hours before tailgating begins.

Memory Mall Q&A

Will all spaces on Memory Mall be reserved?Yes

Will there be a charge to reserve spaces?No. It will be free.

Who can participate?All UCF students and alumni will be eligible to sign up for tent spaces.

I’m not a student or alum. Can I tailgate on Memory Mall?If there's one UCF student or alum in your group, he or she can reserve the space for all of you. Also, all fans are invited to enjoy the Student Government Association entertainment and food.

When and how can I sign up?Registration will be free and online. Additional details about the process will be announced this summer as they are determined.

Can I sign up for the entire season, or will it be game by game?Game by game

How many spaces will alumni have?Alumni spaces will be in the section of the mall closest to the FAIRWINDS Alumni Center and CFE Arena. An exact number is not yet determined.

Why didn’t you include season ticket holders?UCF Athletics offers season ticket holders a variety of parking options on campus as part of their Golden Knights Club donation packages, and those include many ideal tailgating locations close to Bright House Networks Stadium.

For Additional Questions or Information

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

ORLANDO, May 5, 2015 – UCF students will enjoy expanded entertainment, food and tailgating options this football season.

The Student Government Association’s Knights on the Mall program will feature themed tailgates for each of the Knights’ six home games in the center of Memory Mall. Plans call for each game to feature live music, food, a cooling zone and giveaways. The themes for some of the early games will be announced this summer, and students will help select the themes for the other games.

UCF students and alumni also for the first time will be able to reserve spaces on Memory Mall for their tailgates. Instead of having to show up several hours early to claim a spot, those who make free online reservations will have a guaranteed space waiting for them.

“We encourage all fans to visit the SGA tailgating area and enjoy our expanded entertainment and food offerings before they cheer on our Knights to victory,” said SGA president Weston Bayes and president-elect Cait Zona.

Season Opener: Game Day Activities to Start at 1 p.m.

The student-focused changes will debut Thursday, Sept. 3, when the Knights host Florida International University in the season opener. Game day activities will begin at 1 p.m. – three hours earlier than the usual time for weekday games – to accommodate the 6 p.m. kickoff on CBS Sports Network.

Classes on the main campus, in the Central Florida Research Park, at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management and on UCF’s regional campuses will be conducted through noon. Offices at those locations also will close for normal operations at noon in order to allow adequate time for a smooth transition to game day activities.

The time change is only for the FIU game. UCF’s usual weekday game schedule is to conclude classes and university operations at 3 p.m. and begin game day activities begin at 4 p.m.

‘Knights on the Mall:’ Students, Alumni to Reserve Tailgating Spaces

The Student Government Association, in partnership with the university and Alumni Association, proposed the Memory Mall changes to give students more opportunities for pregame entertainment and food and also to give students and alumni greater access to one of the campus’ prime tailgating areas.

The change will be a convenience to students and alumni who in the past have had to show up several hours early to secure a spot. Now students and alumni who reserve spaces in advance can arrive just as tailgating gets under way, or even after it starts, and they will have a spot waiting for them.

Bayes led the development of the new concept, and he worked closely with Zona, who takes office next week.

The Student Government Association’s tailgating area will move from the Student Union side of Memory Mall to the center section and for the first time will include spaces where student organizations and residence halls can tailgate.

All individual spaces on Memory Mall will now be reserved. Other non-Gold Zone tailgating spaces on campus will remain available to fans on a first-come, first-served basis.

More details about the game day changes, including the musical acts, game themes and the reservation system, will be provided this summer as they are determined.

OCT. 22 BLACK & GOLD GALA

Show your Knight pride at the Black & Gold Gala as we celebrate the accomplishments of our brightest Knights.

This gala celebrates the achievements of UCF alumni who have "Reached for the Stars." The evening includes a cocktail reception and a silent auction to benefit the UCF Alumni Association Trust Scholarship Fund followed by a sit-down dinner and the awards banquet. Dress is business/cocktail with black and gold being the colors of choice.

OCT. 23 GOLF TOURNEY AND BLACK & GOLD TAKEOVER

Drive, chip and putt your way to memories on the green with old friends at the Homecoming Golf Tournament.

Grab your clubs and join UCF alumni and friends at one of the largest (and most fun!) golf tournaments in Central Florida.

OCT. 24 INDOOR TAILGATE

Visit the UCF Alumni Indoor Tailgate to enjoy food and fun in air-conditioned comfort at the UCF FAIRWINDS Alumni Center.

The UCF Alumni Association is bringing the tailgate indoors! Head to the UCF FAIRWINDS Alumni Center to hang out and chow down. Admission is free for all UCF alumni and their guests. Just show your alumni key card and state-issued driver's license at the door.

Please consider becoming a supporting sponsor.

2015 UCF Alumni Homecoming events are the perfect opportunity for you to reach those alumni that call Central Florida home while connecting with those that are returning for all that Homecoming has to offer. (Fall 2015)

Sponsors Receive:

Corporate table for 10 and table sign with company name at the Homecoming Black & Gold Gala